A.J. Brown questionable for Patriots' game at Dolphins due to worrisome knee issue

A familiar issue popped up on the New England Patriots' injury report when it was learned earlier in the week that wide receiver A.J. Brown wasn't practicing due to a knee injury. 

While speaking with reporters on Friday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Brown "is questionable" for this coming Sunday's game between 4-3 New England and the 1-5 Miami Dolphins at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

Could A.J. Brown be a game-time decision for Dolphins game? 

"We'll see how he comes in tomorrow, and then we'll make a decision," Vrabel said about Brown, per Greg A. Bedard of Boston Sports Journal. 

Brown's history of dealing with what has been referred to as a "degenerative knee condition" is well-known among members of the NFL community. It was reported this past spring that the Los Angeles Rams passed on attempting to acquire Brown because they allegedly didn't want to match the Philadelphia Eagles' asking price for his services due to concerns related to his knee. 

More recently, Brown suggested he still wasn't 100 percent in his ongoing recovery from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the Patriots' 13-10 season-opening loss at the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9. Brown returned to the lineup on Oct. 18, and he tallied six catches for 75 yards and no touchdowns on 16 targets over his first two games back. 

Bedard noted that Vrabel was asked on Friday whether the Patriots may have rushed Brown back from the ankle injury.

"I don't think those things are really ... I think those are separate issues here," Vrabel responded.

Patriots' receiver depth could once again be tested

As Rodney Knuppel of NESN pointed out, the Patriots were already set to be without receivers Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins before Brown missed multiple practices this week. Thus, fourth-year pro DeMario Douglas could end up being the favorite target of quarterback Drake Maye against the Dolphins. 

Per MassLive, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III could also be given opportunities to step up if Brown doesn't play this weekend. 

As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook continued to list the Patriots as seven-point favorites over the Dolphins.